Two billion people – a third of humanity - still survive on less than two dollars a day. While unfair trade rules keep them in poverty, they face the global challenges of food shortages and climate change.
But consumers can help to change this by using their purchase power, making just one little swap to Fairtrade at a time.
Fairtrade Mark
When you see the Fairtrade Mark is means that:
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A minimum price has been paid to Fairtrade producers
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The Fairtrade Premium, an extra investment in developing communities and businesses has also been paid
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Producers always have a democratic say in decision-making
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Farm workers also get rights under Fairtrade like decent wages and being allowed to join unions
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The ‘Dirty Dozen’ of chemicals are forbidden on certified Fairtrade farms protecting people and the environment
Swap Your Shop
Swapping your usual shopping basket items for Fairtrade is a great way to help make the world a fairer place. It means that through the shopping you buy - you get to show your support for developing world producers.
Try swapping your basics like tea, coffee, sugar, rice and bananas. And then go a few steps further to try wine, spices, fruit juices, ice cream and cotton wool.
Swapping does not end at the supermarket either - you could even swap what you wear to Fairtrade. Why not look out for t-shirts, socks and pants.
A full list of Fairtrade products is available from the Fairtrade Foundation website using the link from this page. If you live in Eastbourne check out the Fairtrade Eastbourne online shopping guide.
Use Your Purchase Power
Try and get your local store managers involved too and ask them nicely to stock more Fairtrade products. They will only know what you want if you let them know. Then it is down to you to buy it.
The same applies to restaurants, cafes and bars. Your spending habits will have a massive influence over what is available in your local eateries.
If you cannot see a Fairtrade choice of your favourite food or drink, ask the manager to provide you with more choice for next time. Do not forget to suggest to them to register for free on the Fairtrade Eastbourne website once their Fairtrade commitment is on the menu.
Get Involved
There are several other ways you can get involved in the Fairtrade campaign:
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Spread the word - tell your friends, family and work colleagues about Fairtrade
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If you work, approach your employer about serving Fairtrade products in your staff canteen, vending machines and for internal meetings. Find out what businesses and organisations can do to support Fairtrade in our Business section under Related Pages
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Schools and other organisations like churches and social clubs can support the campaign by running events and holding Fairtrade sales.
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If you know of other shops that stock Fairtrade goods, let the Fairtrade Eastbourne group know, and they can be added to the local Fairtrade directory.
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Find out more about the Fairtrade Eastbourne group on their website using the link from this page.
